My half-marathon training schedule called for me to run eight miles today. A few weeks ago, eight felt like a big bunch of miles. I suppose everything’s relative. Two weeks ago I ran 10 miles, so today’s eight didn’t seem so daunting.
I had planned to take it easy during today’s training session. I had an 11 a.m. work commitment, and I wanted to run prior to that. In order to train at a very comfortable pace, shower, primp, and get to the function on time, I planned an early wake-up. But I didn’t pack my gym bag last night, nor did I assemble my running clothes, fuel belt, etc. In short, I was about a half hour late getting started.
Because I was running late and because I gained a lot of confidence last weekend by running my fastest six miles ever, I ran a little faster than was comfortable. I kept tabs on my pace with my GPS running watch and while it wasn’t exactly Chariots of Fire, I felt good about what I was doing. When I got to the locker room I recorded my time in my training log, then flipped back a few pages to find the notes from my last eight miler. To my astonishment, I shaved 15 minutes off of my time for that distance!
Even though I was a little stiff and sore at the work function, I believe I walked a little taller and prouder. I’m beginning to get used to feeling uncomfortable. And it’s really not so bad.
482gr8 
There is nothing like kicking out a long run and going to a place where there will be other people and internally gloating. 🙂 Walk proudly, even if nobody else knows that you ran 8 miles before your meeting. WTG!
Happy running,
Rundad
Thank you! I’m looking forward to checking out your blog.
okay, so what I hear you saying is it’s okay to feel uncomfortable. wah wah wah, I think that’s what I try to avoid. You rock!